Jobs threat over factory closure

Up to 150 jobs could be lost in Herefordshire through the closure of a timber factory.

Forest Garden is moving production from Eardisley to Hartlebury in north Worcestershire, but is offering some staff relocation deals.

Chief Executive Jonathan Halford said the firm had to remain competitive during difficult economic times.

He added that the remote area they were based in meant additional fuel and transport costs.

He said: "I think for a business like us, which is very much a distribution business that supports the whole of the UK, then when you see fuel prices and transport costs increase like they have, any business in a remote-lying area is going to struggle and this is ultimately the implication for us."

The company is now looking into compensating staff for their additional travel costs ahead of the site closing in December.